Style: Progressive Songwriter, Jazz-Rock, Prog-Folk, Post-Rock
Vibe: Spring, Introspective, Warm, Intertwoven, Bright, Colorful, Carefree, Reflective, Personal
Musical Qualities: Lush, Progressive, Odd Time Signatures, Intricate, Dynamic, Polished, Improvisation, Lyrical, Riffs, Orchestral Arrangements
Ryley Walker – Course in Fable Read More »
Style: Jazz-Funk, Soul Jazz
Vibe: Conscious, Empathetic, Passionate, Groovy, Liberation, Political, Energetic, Warm, Bittersweet, Sunny
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Lush, Polished, Rhythmic, Lyrical, Improvised Sections
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson Read More »
Style: Country-Soul, Funk
Vibe: Anthemic, Bittersweet, Triumphant, Political, Satirical, Playful, Groovy, Sunny, Conscious, Heartfelt, Warm, Sentimental, Rebellious, Philosophical
Musical Qualities: Lush, Rhythmic, Polished, Melodic, Lyrical
Swamp Dogg – Rat On! Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Ambient Pop
Influences: Chamber-Folk, Trip-Hop, Slowcore, Post-Rock
Vibe: Existential, Introspective, Brooding, Gossamer, Dreamy, Melancholy, Reflective, Moody, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Atmospheric, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lyrical
Style: Folk-Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk, Progressive Folk
Vibe: Uplifting, Contemplative, Breezy, Bright, Sunny, Warm, Soft
Musical Attributes: Lush, Polished, Acoustic, Lyrical, Session Players
Tom Rapp – Sunforest Read More »
Style: Experimental Songwriter, Spiritual Folk, Avant-Folk, Outsider Folk
Vibe: Spiritual, Adventure, Alienation, Cathartic, Cryptic, Eccentric, Existential, Loner, Poetic, Psychedelic, Storytelling, Tribal, Tropical, Warm
Musical Qualities: Homemade Instruments, Acoustic, One Man Band, Percussive, Spoken Word, Progressive
Bobby Brown – The Enlightening Beam of Axonda Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Trip-Hop, Neo-Psychedelia
Influences: Lounge, Jazz, Post-Punk
Vibe: Brooding, Angsty, Woozy, Lonely, Nocturnal, Alienation, Depressive, Eclectic, Rainy, Urban
King Krule – The Ooz Read More »
Style: Country-Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Vibe: Uplifting, Bittersweet, Introspective, Political, Rural, Mellow, Warm
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Melodic, Anthemic, Polished, Lyrical
Hiss Golden Messenger – Quietly Blowing It Read More »
Style: Ambient Pop, Jazz Folk, Singer/Songwriter, New Age
Vibe: Uplifting, Ethereal, Eclectic, Passionate, Spiritual, Spring, Lush, Melodic, Joyful
Transmissions: The Music of Beverly Glenn-Copeland Read More »
Style: Progressive Country, Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Vibe: Nature, Autumnal, Morning, Rustic, Pastoral, Sunny, Uplifting, Warm
Musical Attributes: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical, Orchestral
Hoyt Axton – My Griffin Is Gone Read More »
Style: New Weird Americana??Vibe: Bluesy, Contemplative, Earthy, Morning, Pastoral, Rootsy, Rustic, Psychedelic, Warm??Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Electronics
Califone – Roomsound Read More »
Style: New Weird Americana, Post-Modern Appalachia, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Autumnal, Earthy, Imaginative, Lush, Morning, Peaceful, Rootsy, Rustic, Warm, Contemplative
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Improvisation, Progressive, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Fiddle, Drums, Banjo, Vocals, Percussion, Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Drum Machine, Percussion, Electric Bass, Organ Synthesizers, Flute
Collaborators: Leo Abrahams, Shahzad Ismaily, Sam Gendel,
Milford Graves, Chris Vatalaro, James Sultan
Sam Amidon – The Following Mountain Read More »
Style: Progressive Post-Hardcore??
Vibe: Angsty, Existential, Cryptic, Anxious, Surreal, Epic, Intense, Intricate
??Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Progressive, Technical, Polished
Circa Survive – On Letting Go Read More »
Style: Country-Soul, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Passionate, Rootsy, Rural, Spiritual, Triumphant, Uplifting, Warm, Contemplative, Introspective
Hiss Golden Messenger – Haw Read More »
Style: Slowcore-Country, Singer-Songwriter
Vibe: Brooding, Hypnotic, Conversational, Reflective, Intimate, Lethargic, Confident, Moody, Overcast
Musical Attributes: Slow, Repetitive, Focused
Cat Power – Moon Pix Read More »
Style: Ambient Lounge Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Hypnogogic Pop
Vibe: Pastel, Mellow, Lush, Nocturnal, Playful, Catchy, Romantic, Soft
Devendra Banhart – Ape in Pink Marble Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Pop, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Playful, Bittersweet, Satirical, Catchy
Musical Attributes: Lush, Progressive, Melodic, Lyrical, Polished
Jim O’Rourke – Simple Songs Read More »
Style: Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Avant-Folk, Drone
Vibe: Winter, Existential, Imaginative, Introspective, Contemplative, Epic, Philosophical, Poetic, Ethereal, Loner, Meditative, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Droney, Lo-Fi, Lyrical, Progressive
Mount Eerie – Sauna Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Art Rock, Shoegaze-Influenced
Vibe: Anthemic, Cathartic, Passionate, Philosophical, Poetic, Spiritual, Existential, Bittersweet
Musical Attributes: Dynamic, Lyrical, Improvisation, Polished
Young Jesus – Welcome to Conceptual Beach Read More »
Style: Loner Folk, Psych Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Introspective, Loner, Dark, Nocturnal, Psychedelic
Lyrical Themes: Philosophical, Existential, Death, Personal
Holy Sons – Raw & Disfigured Read More »
Style: Psych Rock, Kosmische-Influenced
Vibe: Introspective, Mystical, Spiritual, Confident, Conscious, Existential, Hypnotic, Motorik, Psychedelic, Uplifting
Deradoorian – Find the Sun Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Trip-Hop, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Existential, Brooding, Cathartic, Exploratory, Futuristic, Heartfelt, Introspective, Sentimental
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Loops, Polished, Lush, Progressive, Headphone Album, Lyrical
Loma – Don’t Shy Away Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Folk, Brit-Folk
Vibe: Theatric, Colorful, Eccentric, Eclectic, Imaginative, Messy, Mystical, Playful, Surreal, Warm
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Lyrical, Conceptual, Indian-Influenced
Lyrics: Storytelling, Philosophical, Fantasy, Humorous, Poetic
The Incredible String Band – U Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Passionate, Sensual, Exploratory, Loner, Primal
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Live, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Congas, Vibraphone, Electric Bass, Drums
Tim Buckley – Live at the Troubadour 1969 Read More »
Style: Trip-Hop, U.K. Hip-Hop
Vibe: Dark, Nocturnal, Sexual, Surreal, Eclectic, Introspective, Love
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Beats, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lyrical
Tricky – Maxinquaye Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Introspective, Moody, Passionate, Sentimental, Sombre, Conceptual
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Complex, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Rhythmic, Progressive
Lyrical Themes: Death, Existential, Personal, Reflective
David Bowie – Black Star Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Funk, Conscious Hip-Hop, Soul
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Retro-Futuristic, Passionate, Philosophical, Political, Psychedelic, Uplifting, Urban, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Groovy, Rhythmic, Lush, Melodic, Complex, Sampling, Lyrical
Erykah Badu – New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War) Read More »
Style: Gothic Country, Americana, Chamber Folk?Vibe: Rustic, Sombre, Murky, Rootsy, Ominous, Loner, Western, Melancholy, Moody, Dark?Musical Attributes: Acoustic Instrumentation (Banjo, Upright Bass, Cello, Acoustic Guitar, Accordion, Piano), Atmospheric, Droney, Slow, Lyrical?Lyrical Themes: Alienation, Religious, Christian, Storytelling
Sixteen Horsepower – Folklore Read More »
Style: Experimental Singer-Songwriter, Soul Blues, Psychedelic Soul
Vibe: Imaginative, Bluesy, Cathartic, Conscious, Cosmic, Spiritual, Heartfelt, Passionate, Psychedelic, Rootsy, Bittersweet, Poetic
Lyrical Themes: Existential, Afro-Futurism, History, Racism, Reflective
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Lyrical, Improvisation, Raw, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Vocals, Piano, Synthesizers, Keyboards, Saxophone, Trombone, Percussion
Lonnie Holley – Mith Read More »
Style: Indie Rock
Influences: Shoegaze, Post-Rock, Free Improvisation, Emo
Vibe: accessible, cathartic, contemplative, dynamic, lyrical, passionate, philosophical, poetic
Style: Soul, Funk?Vibe: Bittersweet, Breakup, Groovy, Heartfelt, Smooth, Love, Lush, Romantic, Sensual
Isaac Hayes – Black Moses Read More »
Style: Synth-Funk, Soul
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Political, Poetic, Spacey
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson – 1980 Read More »
Style: Chamber Folk–Pop, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Warm, Lush, Deadpan, Uplifting, Soothing, Humorous, Soft
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Melodic, Polished
Jim O’Rourke – Halfway to a Threeway Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Funk
Vibe: Triumphant, Energetic, Anthemic, Communal, Rebellious, Groovy, Sunny, Psychedelic, Powerful, Confident, Eclectic, Complex
Sly & the Family Stone – There’s a Riot Goin’ On Read More »
Style: Soul, Jazz-Funk, Singer-Songwriter
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Lush, Lyrical, Passionate, Philosophical, Political, Sunny, Triumphant, Uplifting, Urban, Accessible, Bittersweet, Catchy, Confident
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson – Bridges Read More »
Style: East Coast Hip-Hop, Boom Bap, Jazz Rap
Vibe: Conscious, Uplifting, Groovy, Confident, Urban
Lyrics/Themes: Philosophical, Political, Black Pride, Racism, Spiritual, Islam
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Sampling, Beats, Turntables, Live Instrumentation (Rhodes, Electric Bass)
Mos Def – Black on Both Sides Read More »
Style: Math Rock, Art Rock
Vibe: Angsty, Complex, Cryptic, Moody, Surreal,
Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Dissonant, Lyrical
90 Day Men – To Everybody: Read More »
Style: Progressive Pop, Space Age Pop
Influences: Kosmische Musik, Bossa Nova, French Pop, Lounge
Vibe: Spacey, Lush, Retro-Futuristic, Catchy, Groovy, Motorik, Nocturnal, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Headphone Album, Odd Time Signatures, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Lyrical
Lyrics: Philosophical, Political, Communist, Bi-Lingual (English and French)
Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Vibraphone, Drums, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Vocals, Brass, Strings, Keys (Organ, Clavinet, Harpsichord, Wurlitzer)
Stereolab – Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night Read More »
Listening to Alex G, one might imagine a young alien sitting alone in his martian bedroom baring his angsty, teenage confessions to his 4-track tape recorder. Yet, at the core of his music, underneath layers of psychedelic guitars, weird pitch-shifted vocals, and occasional lo-fi hiss, lies some genius pop songs that feel simultaneously adolescent and mature.
Recommended for fans of lo-fi experimentation and bedroom pop. Alex seems to pull influences from all over and channel them through his own unique personality and penchant for odd, psychedelic production. Recalls Elliot Smith’s loner acoustic songwriting and drum machines pulled from 80?s pop songs; there’s even a fucked up jazz piano ballad thrown into the mix.
Alex G – Beach Music Read More »
Style: Emo, Indie Rock, Post-Hardcore
Vibe: Introspective, Angsty, Dark, Depressive, Introspective, Passionate, Poetic, Sombre
Themes: Personal, Self-Loathing, Regret, Death, Alienation
Brand New – The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me Read More »
Religious allegory, profane thoughts, and lustful confessions intertwine on Human Behavior’s third LP; Kedimum is a brooding suite of psychological chamber folk that introspects into a conflicted mind, struggling to reconcile matters of indoctrinated faith, natural human desires, and internalized guilt. Primary songwriter Andres Parada is joined by a sympathetic cast of vocalists to create a vivid sonic drama complete with choral vocals and spoken word passages to complement his haunting narrations. The intricate and shadowy arrangements blend distorted electronic beats with a wide array of acoustic instrumentation, including banjo, clarinet, accordian, acoustic guitar, violin, ehru, and cello.
Human Behavior – Kedumim Read More »
Style: British Folk, Country-Influenced
Vibe: Contemplative, Earthy, Introspective, Melancholy, Rootsy, Rural, Storytelling
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical, Melodic, Simple, Sparse
Mike and Lal Waterson – Bright Phoebus Read More »
Released in 2016 on Polydor Records Format: LPx2 Style: Modern Soul, Future Garage, Art Pop Vibe: Sad, Heartfelt, Reflective, Lonely, Intimate, Futuristic Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Digital, Melodic, Beats, Ballads Themes: Breakup, Love, Personal
James Blake – The Colour in Anything Read More »
Originally released in 2003 on Merge Jealous Butcher Indie Exclusive Reissue (2019) Format: LP, Blue
M. Ward – Transfiguration of Vincent Read More »
Released in 2003 on EMI Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm Style: Art Rock Vibe: Cryptic, Anxious, Angsty, Paranoid, Moody Musical Attributes: Complex, Eclectic, Dynamic, Dense, Lyrical Themes: Political, War, Death
Radiohead – Hail to the Thief Read More »
Released in 2015 on Constellation Records Recorded June 3-5, 2014 Format: LP
Matana Roberts – Coin Coin Chapter 3: River Run Thee Read More »
Originally released in 1997 Plain Records reissue (2010) Format LPx2
Spiritualized – Ladies and Gentleman We are Floating in Space Read More »
Released in 2004 on Young God Records Format: LPx2
Devendra Banhart – Rejoicing in the Hands / Niño Rojo Read More »
Released in 2017 on Pro Era Recordings Format: LPx2
Joey Bada$$ – All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ Read More »
Released in 2007 on Beggar’s Banquet Records Format: LP Style: Chamber Pop, Art Pop Vibe: Warm, Playful, Romantic, Lush Musical Attributes: Melodic, Lyrical, Polished
St. Vincent – Marry Me Read More »
Released in 1968 on ESP-Disk Format: LP Style: Chamber Folk, Psych Folk Vibe: Peaceful, Mellow, Psychedelic Themes: War, Nature, Love Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Strings, Flute, Banjo, Keyboards, Bass, French Horn
Pearls Before Swine – Balaklava Read More »
Released in 1971 on A&M Record Format: LP
Gene Clark – White Light Read More »
Released in 2014 on Constellation Records Format: LP
Carla Bozulich – Boy Read More »
Originally Released in 1994 on Circa Records 2017 Fire Records reissue Format: LPx2, 45 RPM
Bark Psychosis – Hex Read More »
Originally released on CD in 2003 2019 Pressing, First Vinyl Issue, Remastered Format: LP Features 2 previously unreleased tracks
Holy Sons – I Want to Live a Peaceful Life Read More »
Released in 1987 on Virgin Records Format: LP
David Sylvian – Secrets of the Beehive Read More »
Released in 2019 on Don Giovanni Records Format: LP, grey vinyl
Moor Mother – Analog Fluids of Sonic Black Holes Read More »
Released in 2017 on Atlantic Records Format: LPx2
The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding Read More »
Released in 2019 on Jealous Butcher Records Format: LP
Eamon Fogarty – Blue Values Read More »
Released in 2019 on RCA Records Format: LP
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Bandana Read More »
Originally released in 1966 on Columbia Records 1998 Simply Vinyl pressing Format: LPx2
Bob Dylan – Blonde on Blonde Read More »
Released in 2016 on Domino Records Format: LPx2, includes poster and lyric Booklet
Blood Orange – Freetown Sound Read More »
Released in 1965 on Elektra Records Recorded in 1964 Format: LP
Phil Ochs – “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” Read More »
Released in 2008 on Mercury Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm
Portishead – Third Read More »
Released in 2012 on P.W. Elverum & Sun, Ltd. Format: LP, clear vinyl
Mount Eerie – Clear Moon Read More »
Released in 1973 on Harvest Records
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop
Moods: Apathetic, Introspective, Surreal, Sleazy, Melancholy, Sleek, Mellow, Sensual, Depressive, Ethereal, Stark, Meditative
Musical Qualities: Soft, Sparse, Lyrical, MIDI, Smooth, Polished
A.A. Bondy – Enderness Read More »
Released in 2005 on Drag City Format: LP
Smog – A River Ain’t Too Much to Love Read More »
Released in 2017 on Mello Music Group Format: LP
Lando Chill – The Boy Who Spoke to the Wind Read More »
Released in 2003 on Drag City Recorded in 2000 Format: LP
Loose Fur – Loose Fur Read More »
Released in 1971 on Curtom Records Format: LP
Curtis Mayfield – Roots Read More »
The cubist sophisti-pop of Impossible Spaces feels both breezy and proggy in its chilled-out intricacy. Sandro Perri’s evocative songwriting and catchy melodicism are brought into high-definition by warmly futuristic production, atmospheric synthesizers, and lush arrangements for strings, horns, and woodwinds.
Sandro Perri – Impossible Spaces Read More »
Originally released in 1994 2013 Light In the Attic Reissue Format: LPx2
Digable Planets – Blowout Comb Read More »
There is a certain beauty just to being alive, and Ought make it their mission to find it through raw rock n’ roll that veers seamlessly between upbeat post-punk, meditative feedback drones, dramatic ballads, and cathartic guitar freak outs.
Recommended for fans of post-punk that blends the moodiness of Joy Division, Iceage, and Television with the experimentation and noisiness of This Heat and No Wave.
Ought – Sun Coming Down Read More »
Released in 2001 on Future Farmer Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm
M. Ward – End of Amnesia Read More »
Released in 2011 on Frenchkiss Records Format: LP
The Antlers – Burst Apart Read More »
Originally released in 1991 on Jive Records 2000s reissue Format: LPx2
A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory Read More »
Released in 1976 on Asylum Records Format: LP
Joni Mitchell – Hejira Read More »
Released in 2000 on Stones Throw Records Format: LPx2
Quasimoto – The Unseen Read More »
Released in 2019 on Constellation Records Format: 12″ EP
Efrim Manuel Menuck & Kevin Doria – “are SING SINCK, SING” Read More »
Originally released digitally in 2007 2008 pressing on TBD Records Format: LP
Radiohead – In Rainbows Read More »
Released in 1997 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Edith Frost – Calling Over Time Read More »
Originally released in 2000 on Epic Records 2010 Repress Format: LPx2
Modest Mouse – The Moon & Antarctica Read More »
Released in 1973 on Warner Bros. Records Format: LP
Bert Jansch – Moonshine Read More »
Released in 2015 on Sub Pop Records Format: LPx2 Deluxe edition Overview Josh Tillman is an open book; while his last album (Fear Fun) dove into his story of personal transformation and self discovery, I Love You, Honeybear explores his relationship with his wife and the effect she’s had on his life. In other words, this is
Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear Read More »
Released in 2005 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LPx2 Listen: Purchase: https://asthmatickitty.com/merch/illinois/
Sufjan Stevens – Illinois Read More »
Released in 2007 on Saddle Creek Records Format: LPx2
Bright Eyes – Cassadaga Read More »
Released in 2017 on 4AD Records Format: LPx2, Blue Vinyl
The National – Sleep Well Beast Read More »
Released in 2008 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2
Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band – 13 Blues for Thirteen Moons Read More »
Released in 2015 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LP, clear vinyl First Pressing, limited to 10,000 copies
Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell Read More »
Released in 1994 by Drag City Format: 12″ EP, 45rpm
Gastr Del Sol – Mirror Repair Read More »
Released in 2007 on Sub Pop Records Format: LP
Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog Read More »
Released in 2002 on Saddle Creek Records Format: LPx2
Bright Eyes – LIFTED or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground Read More »
